Birthstone for August: Peridot – The Vibrant Green Gemstone Guide
(all you need to know)
Birthstone for August is Peridot
What do Peridots signify?
Peridots, also known as the “sun gem” or the “gem of the sun,” have a celestial, neon green-yellow glow that gives them a vibrant and unique appeal. The birthstone symbolizes protection against negative forces, harmony and prosperity, and restful sleep.
Is Peridot a precious stone?
Peridot is classified as a semi-precious stone. It has the chemical formula (Mg,Fe)2 SiO4 and is primarily made up of olivine, magnesium, and iron. The amount of iron present in peridot gives it its unique color and luster. Though not as valuable as precious stones like diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, peridot’s beauty and affordability make it a popular choice for jewelry lovers.
Does Peridot bring good luck?
Many believe that peridot brings good luck, owing to its association with prosperity and harmony. Additionally, it is said to provide restful sleep, further contributing to its reputation as a symbol of positive energy and well-being.
Is Peridot Gemstone expensive?
Peridot is a beautiful green gemstone known for its unique formation under extreme conditions, such as in hardened lava and even meteorites. As the birthstone for August, it has been prized as a jewelry stone since ancient times.
The value of peridot can vary significantly from one piece to another, with prices ranging from $25 to $500 per carat. Factors that determine the price of peridot include clarity, cut, and color.
- Clarity: High-quality peridot stones have minimal inclusions and blemishes, which make them more valuable. On the other hand, if a peridot has noticeable or prominent inclusions, its value will decrease.
- Cut: A well-cut peridot gemstone can enhance its color, while a poor cut can make it appear dull or washed out. Expertly cut stones are typically worth more.
- Color: Peridot comes in different shades of green, with the most desirable color being a pure, vivid green hue. Stones that are closer to this ideal shade are generally more expensive.
In conclusion, the expense of peridot gemstones depends on various factors, such as clarity, cut, and color. While some peridot stones can be quite affordable, others with exceptional quality and desirable characteristics can fetch higher prices.
Who can wear Peridot Gemstone?
Can Peridot be worn everyday?
Peridot is a beautiful green gemstone that represents the month of August. It is suitable for anyone born in August, but it can also be worn by people who are not born in this month. The gem is believed to bring protection, health, and happiness to its wearer.
As a fairly durable stone, peridot can be worn daily without the worry of it being easily damaged. With a hardness of around 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, peridot is resistant to scratches and everyday wear and tear. However, it is still recommended to take off peridot jewelry before engaging in activities that might bring high impact or abrasion.
In Which finger should Peridot be worn?
When it comes to wearing peridot, there are various beliefs and traditions about the best finger to wear this gemstone on. Some believe that peridot should be worn on the little finger, also known as the “pinky” finger, while others recommend wearing it on the ring finger of the right hand.
It is important to note that these recommendations are based on traditional beliefs and personal preferences. One can choose the finger that feels most comfortable and aligned with their unique beliefs.
To summarize, peridot is a versatile gemstone that can be enjoyed by anyone, whether or not they are born in August. It can be worn every day and can be placed on a variety of fingers, depending on personal beliefs and preferences. The key is to wear it proudly and allow its beautiful green hue to bring joy and positive energy.
How do you tell if a Peridot is real or fake?
What color Peridot is most valuable?
Peridot’s most valuable color is a vivid, intense yellow-green hue. Higher-quality stones exhibit an intense color that is highly desirable. The color is intrinsic to the gemstone, and stones with the most sought-after coloration are considered more valuable.
How can you tell a good Peridot stone?
To determine if a Peridot is real or fake, consider the following:
- Color: Real Peridot has a distinct yellow-green color. If the jewel appears unusually lighter or darker, it is likely fake.
- Inclusions: Genuine Peridot often has brown or yellow inclusions and small chips. If the stone looks flawless, it’s probably a glass imitation.
- Mist appearance: If the gemstone looks like it has a film of mist around it, it is fake unless mined from a misty environment.
- Refraction test: Hold the stone against light and look into it with a magnifying glass. Peridots have strong birefringence or double refraction, meaning the light entering the stone splits into two rays.
- External appearance: Real Peridot usually has scratches and cracks. If the stone appears perfect, it is likely fake.
How do you clean Peridot?
To clean your Peridot gemstone, follow these steps:
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe off any dirt or debris from the surface.
- Prepare a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap or jewelry cleaner.
- Soak the Peridot gem in the solution for a few minutes.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the stone, focusing on any crevices and settings.
- Rinse the Peridot under lukewarm water, ensuring all soap residue is removed.
- Dry the gemstone thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth.
It is essential to avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steamers when cleaning your Peridot gemstone, as these can damage the gem.
What Stone goes well with Peridot?
Peridot, the August birthstone, is known for its vibrant green-yellow hue and is often referred to as the “Gem of the Sun” or the “evening emerald”. It is highly regarded for its unique, neon like glow that makes it stand out in any jewelry piece. To enhance and complement the striking color of peridot, several gemstones can be combined with it.
Blue sapphire makes an excellent choice to pair with peridot, as the deep blue color of sapphire creates a striking contrast with the bright green of peridot. This combination brings out the best in both stones and can create a captivating piece of jewelry.
Amethyst is another gemstone that works well with peridot. The warm purple hue of amethyst complements the green tones in peridot, resulting in a colorful and unique combination perfect for those who love bold, striking colors.
White diamonds, with their timeless beauty and sparkle, can also be paired with peridot. The colorless brilliance of a diamond accentuates the green hues of peridot, making the latter stand out even more.
Citrine, the yellow-to-orange variety of quartz, can be an ideal match for peridot as well, adding warmth and vibrant color contrast to the mix.
Here is a summarized list of gemstones that pair well with peridot:
- Blue Sapphire
- Amethyst
- White Diamonds
- Citrine
When choosing complementary gemstones for peridot, it is essential to consider personal style, color preferences, and the purpose of the jewelry. Consider pairing peridot with one or more of these stones to create a stunning and unique piece of jewelry that showcases the captivating beauty of the August birthstone.
Does August have two birthstones?
Yes, August actually has three birthstones – Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. Initially, Sardonyx was considered the traditional birthstone for the month of August. However, Peridot became more popular and is now most commonly associated with August. In recent times, Spinel has also been added to the list of August birthstones.
What are the other birthstones for August?
Spinel
Spinel is a gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, such as red, blue, green, and purple. This versatility gives August-born individuals an array of options to choose from. Red spinel, often mistaken for ruby, is the most famous spinel color. It has exceptional clarity and is highly valued.
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is a combination of two types of chalcedony – sard and onyx. This gemstone is usually found in layers of red-brown sard and white onyx, creating a beautiful banded pattern. Sardonyx has been cherished for its stunning appearance and was traditionally considered the birthstone for August before Peridot and Spinel gained popularity.
To summarize, August is a unique month with three distinct birthstones – Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. Each of these gemstones has its own special characteristics and lore, offering a variety of options for those born in the month of August.
What Chakra is Peridot (August Birthstone) associated with?
Peridot, the birthstone for August, is known for its lush green color and is often associated with healing properties. This gemstone is believed to help balance the heart and solar plexus chakras, providing a sense of harmony between the emotions and intellect.
How to clean the energy of Peridot?
To maintain the positive energy and healing properties of peridot, it is essential to clean its energy regularly. Here are some methods to cleanse your peridot crystal:
- Smudging with sage or palo santo: Light the sage or palo santo and allow the smoke to envelop the peridot, clearing away any negative energy.
- Moonlight: Place the peridot outside or near a window, allowing it to bathe in the light of the full moon, which is believed to have cleansing properties.
- Running water: Hold the peridot under running water such as a faucet or in a natural stream, letting the water wash away any negative energy.
How do you recharge Peridot?
After cleansing your peridot, it’s crucial to recharge the crystal to restore its energy and vibrancy. Here are some ways to recharge your peridot:
- Sunlight: Expose the peridot to direct sunlight for a few hours, which will infuse the crystal with the sun’s positive energy.
- Earth: Bury the peridot in the soil, allowing it to absorb the nourishing energy of the earth. Leave it buried for a day or two before retrieving it.
- Crystals: Pair the peridot with clear quartz, selenite, or amethyst; these crystals are believed to help amplify the energy and charge of other stones.
Remember to clean and recharge your peridot regularly to ensure it continues to provide the benefits and healing properties associated with this beautiful August birthstone.
What is the Peridot stone good for?
Physical Healing properties of Peridot
Peridot is known for its bright green color and its association with good health. The gemstone is believed to possess physical healing properties, such as:
- Supporting the digestive system and metabolism
- Boosting the immune system
- Strengthening the eyesight and promoting restful sleep
These physical benefits make the Peridot stone a popular choice for individuals seeking to improve their overall well-being.
Emotional Healing Properties of Peridot
The emotional healing properties of Peridot are closely connected to peace, harmony, and compassion. This gemstone is known to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Alleviate negative emotions like anger and jealousy
- Encourage emotional balance and personal growth
By providing emotional support and promoting a sense of calm, Peridot can help individuals navigate through difficult experiences and foster positive relationships with others.
What does Peridot Gemstone do spiritually?
Peridot’s spiritual significance lies in its connection to the solar plexus and heart chakras. This gemstone aligns with these energy centers and is believed to:
- Enhance spiritual growth and awareness
- Strengthen the connection to the higher self
- Facilitate communication with spiritual guides and guardian angels
Due to its spiritual properties, Peridot can assist individuals in their journey to achieve a deeper, more meaningful understanding of the universe and their place within it.
Peridot’s Characteristics
Peridot is a beautiful gemstone with unique characteristics, making it an ideal choice for the August birthstone. In this section, we will delve into Peridot’s various aspects, including its color and clarity, Mohs scale hardness, and refractive index.
Color and Clarity
Peridot’s color ranges from yellowish-green to deep olive green. The intensity of the color depends on the amount of iron within the gemstone; the higher the iron content, the deeper the green hue and generally more valuable the stone becomes. Its clarity can range from transparent to nearly opaque, with most high-quality peridots being relatively free of inclusions. However, some peridots may have small black inclusions, which gives them a unique and interesting appearance.
Mohs Scale Hardness
The Mohs scale measures a mineral’s hardness, which is its resistance to scratches or abrasions. Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear. Considering the hardest known mineral, diamond, is a 10 on the Mohs scale, Peridot offers good durability and resistance to damage compared to other, softer gemstones.
Refractive Index
The refractive index of a gemstone is a measure of how much light is bent or refracted as it passes through the stone. Peridot has a refractive index of approximately 1.654 to 1.690. This range of refractive indexes affects both the brilliance and fire (sparkle) of the gemstone. Peridots are known for their bright, radiant glow, which can be partly attributed to their refractive index.
When selecting a peridot for jewelry, it is important to consider its color, clarity, hardness, and refractive index in order to ensure that the gemstone will be both beautiful and durable.
Peridot Value and Quality
Cut and Shape
The cut of a peridot gemstone greatly impacts its value. Skilled cutting can maximize a stone’s light-play and give it a more attractive appearance. Peridot is often found in traditional shapes such as round, oval, and cushion, but it may also be cut into unique shapes to enhance its appeal. Quality cutting enhances the brilliance of the gemstone and plays a crucial role in its overall value.
Shade and Color
Peridot is always green in color, but the shade can vary depending on its source. The most desirable peridot stones exhibit a pure, intense green hue without any secondary colors. However, some peridots may have a yellowish or brownish tint, which causes the value of the gemstone to decrease. When assessing the value of a peridot, consider the following factors:
- Pure green is the most sought-after and valuable shade.
- Yellowish and brownish tints decrease the value of the stone.
- Overall saturation and intensity of color are essential factors in determining value.
Size and Carat
The size and carat weight of a peridot gemstone are also significant factors that determine its value. Larger stones, especially those with a high-quality color, are rare and more valuable. Peridot value can range from $25 to $500 per carat depending on factors such as color, clarity, and size. Here is a general price range for different sized peridots:
- Small stones (under 1 carat): $25 – $50 per carat
- Medium stones (1 to 3 carats): $50 – $200 per carat
- Large stones (3 carats and above): $200 – $500 per carat
Remember that the most crucial factor in determining a peridot’s value is its shade and color, followed by its size and carat weight. A higher-carat stone with less desirable coloring will still command a lower price than a smaller stone with a rare and sought-after pure green hue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color is August’s birthstone?
Peridot, the birthstone for August, showcases a unique green color. The gemstone’s hue ranges from yellowish-green to dark olive-green, which largely depends on the iron content found within the stone.
What is Peridots’ significance?
In the Middle Ages, peridots were believed to provide foresight and inspiration when worn. Romans used the stones as protection against enchantment. Furthermore, peridot symbolizes the shining sun, making it an ideal gemstone for August.
What is the chemical composition of a Peridot?
Peridot’s chemical formula is (Mg,Fe)2 SiO4. This semi-precious stone primarily consists of olivine, magnesium, and iron. The presence of these elements, particularly iron, creates the distinctive color and luster seen in peridot.
What are the other Birthstones of August?
In addition to Peridot, August has two other birthstones – Spinel and Sardonyx. Spinel comes in various colors, including red, pink, and blue. Sardonyx displays alternating layers of sard and onyx, creating its unique appearance.
What are the milestones associated with peridot?
Apart from being the birthstone for August, peridot is also the gemstone given as a gift for a 16th wedding anniversary.
Where is peridot found?
Peridot’s formation occurs under extreme circumstances. It can be found in hardened lava that carried it from deep within Earth’s mantle and also in meteorites that traveled from outer space. In 2005, peridot was discovered in comet dust upon the return of the Stardust space probe.
